Welcome to Meet the Agent, an ongoing series profiling real estate agents from across Canada. With more than 150,000 agents, brokers, and salespeople working in 75 different boards and associations across the country, we thought it was about time they had a place to properly introduce themselves. If you or someone you know deserves the same chance, email agents@storeys.com to apply.
THE DETAILS
Name: Christopher Boyd
Brokerage: rennie & associates realty ltd
Brokerage Website: rennie.com
Personal Website: rennie.com/advisors/christopherboyd
Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter
Years of agent experience: 14+
Area of focus: Sales and Project Marketing in Greater Vancouver. Current role: Sales Manager at ASH | 28
THE INSIGHTS
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Alberta. When I was just four, my family took a bold leap: selling everything and journeying through the Americas, eventually winding up the Yucatan Peninsula and settling in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
By age nine, we returned to Canada, settling in a character home in Kitsilano, Vancouver. The city was fresh off the high of Expo '86, and there was an energy in the air. Vancouver was, and continues to be, a wonderful place to call home.
What neighbourhood do you live in now?
A peaceful suburban area in West Vancouver.
What made you want to become a real estate agent?
From a young age, I’ve been drawn to art and design. This passion likely stems from my mother, who, despite our modest means, always filled our home with the latest art pieces and stylish furniture. At 19, I moved into an apartment near the South Granville neighbourhood in Vancouver and shaped the space exactly how I wanted. Reflecting on that period, the thrill of independence and the joy from creating a comfortable living environment of my own, resonated with me.
Over the years, I took the plunge into property investments, purchasing several apartments during the pre-sale phase. By 30, I asked myself: Why not make a job out of what I love? My love for interacting with people, coupled with an appreciation for design, architecture, and art, led me on this path.
What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?
Affordability is a pressing concern for many. This issue has been recently intensified as interest rates have risen to counteract inflation. Despite this, property prices remain stubbornly high. The increase in borrowing costs has not only deterred potential homebuyers, but has also left many existing homeowners unable to refinance. As a result, many are trapped in their current properties, leading to a notable decline in housing inventory.
When representing sellers in a market with a dwindling buyer pool, I find it essential to amplify my marketing — crafting a compelling narrative that evokes desire and urgency. On the flip side, when working for buyers, sourcing quality inventory has become a formidable task and often drives me to explore off-market properties (not on the MLS).
What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?
Don't hesitate. More often than not, the best opportunities arise before the crowd catches on.
What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?
Purchase with your heart. While it might not always tick every box on your wishlist, a home's true essence lies in the memories and feelings you cultivate there.
What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?
While I wouldn't describe myself as being a social butterfly, I have cultivated an extensive network within the industry. I lean on referrals from friends, past clients, and word-of-mouth recommendations. I've never advertised on a bus bench or distributed flyers. However, I maintain a consistent presence on social media platforms, especially Instagram. I try to showcase various facets of my life beyond just real estate. For me, it's crucial to connect with others genuinely and authentically.
Who do you look up to in the industry and why?
If I were to pinpoint my most profound influence, it would undoubtedly be my father. As a lawyer, he consistently provided tough love and positive reinforcement — encouraging me from a young age to delve into reading, learn politics, appreciate all genres of music, learn to sail, golf, play tennis, and hone skills ranging from calligraphy to drawing.
He even supported me at 16 when I wanted to ride a motorcycle (though he insisted I read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance first). When I was younger, he gave me summer jobs at his law firm. There, I learned foundational skills, like drafting legal letters and extensively typing from the dictation notes he left behind. He's the person I admire the most, and I hope to instill the same values in my children.
Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?
Being a realtor isn't just about showing houses and closing deals. While many people respect realtors and even dream of becoming one, what they might not see is the behind-the-scenes hustle. We have to follow strict industry rules and constantly update our knowledge. It's not just about being smart; we need strong people skills, patience, and the ability to multitask. In a nutshell, being a realtor is no walk in the park.
Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale.
It's tough to choose. Sometimes it's the hard-to-sell houses that finally find a buyer that stick with me. Other times, it's the homes that sell quickly but only after a lot of time and effort go into advertising them. While the professional accolades among colleagues are gratifying, my favourite part is seeing my clients happy when everything works out.
The three words you hope your clients use to describe you
Kind, dedicated, trustworthy.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?
I have a wide range of interests. I'm an avid reader and a movie buff, I have a passion for cars and motorcycles, and I take pride in working on our house and tending to our garden. But above all, I cherish moments with my kids. Whenever we can, we head to our cabin on Gulf Islands to soak in quality time together.
This interview may have been edited for both length and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of STOREYS.
